Dear Editor,
It was with significant disappointment that the cartoon Politikles as published in Stabroek News on Friday May 14, 2021, was viewed. The cartoon displayed an unfortunate misunderstanding of the ever-present and tragic subject of “domestic violence”. Instead of using the opportunity to share, albeit in a light-hearted manner, the appropriate way to handle aggression from a spouse, the cartoon crossed the line to trivialize one of the most negative experiences a woman or child, and in some cases, men, can have. It is not a subject for mirth or comedy in any form. We also feel compelled to admonish the publishers of the cartoon (Stabroek News) and remind that it cannot properly hide behind an argument of the cartoonist being an “independent contractor” with licence and freedom to depict as he chooses. Stabroek News is circulated worldwide in hard and soft copy, thus the potential to influence many exists.
GAWL expresses askance moreso in light of its commendable editorial only a few days before that urged that there be more action on domestic violence and less platitudes – a perspective that right – thinking citizens would agree with. Permitting the cartoon’s publication which has content clearly at variance with this newspaper’s well-articulated stance on the subject, points to the need for its management to conduct some policy introspection so that the public is clear on its stance in relation to domestic violence.
It is our respectful suggestion to Mr. Harris that in addition to seeking to induce mirth, that from time to time he takes the opportunity to teach. GAWL does not disagree that men are domestic violence victims too, but to hit back in the face of a spouse/partner’s aggression is not advisable. We challenge this talented cartoonist to rise to the occasion. It is appreciated that the association may become one day your subject matter too given our current objections, but that is your prerogative, proper and truthful representation being, of course, a fair expectation. Too many women have been tragic casualties of domestic violence. So many more will be if we do not take every opportunity to keep the correct messaging on this subject front and centre. We look forward to a better approach to the subject going forward.
Yours sincerely,
Kean Trotman
Secretary
Guyana Association of Women
Lawyers
Editor-in-Chief’s note: Stabroek News takes full responsibility for the publication of the cartoon, stands by its publication and has no intention of hiding behind the argument of the cartoonist being an independent contractor. The cartoon in no way trivialised domestic violence. Indeed, one can make a valid case that it has sparked dialogue between two men on the scourge of domestic violence, a dialogue which is clearly absent in society and which continues to play a part in fuelling the domestic violence carnage. As the editorial in this newspaper of the 13th instant stated “Social and historic norms like patriarchy that maintain sexist attitudes and the concept that men have power over women have to be dismantled. The toxic masculinity which suggests that men who intervene or call out friends or colleagues over their abuse of women are somehow ‘letting the side down’ must be also stamped out”.
That anyone could be in doubt as to where the newspaper stands on domestic violence requires no further comment. Clearly there is much work ahead for all stakeholders in addressing domestic violence.
